1920’s: The Flappers By Callie Richards

Women in the early 20 th Century Social norms for women were to maintain the home and children while the men worked; Women were expected to keep their bodies fully covered and to have sex only with her married lover. They were not expected to indulge in alcohol or do anything to lose their virginity, which would make them impure. Men were in control of women and they were expected to do as the man told them.

World War I: Changes in Society With men going to war, women entered the workforce to fill in open jobs. Rise of the Gibson Girls, a curly-haired type of woman who was feminine but also charming and chose men on her own terms. When the war ended, social norms were expected to return to normal but having the freedom to work and a generation of men being lost caused many women to seek something new…

Flappers: Emergence and Lifestyle Emerged during the Roaring 20’s. It was mainly young, single women who wanted to enjoy the pleasure of life and indulge in the party lifestyle of the time. Are considered a part of the Jazz Age of the time. Did male-oritented activities such as drinking and smoking. Were casual about sex and unafraid to express their sexuality among others. Were truthful and carefree in their attitude and behavior.

Flappers: Emergence and Lifestyle (con’t) Often had day-jobs such as housewife or store clerks, but emerged in bars and parties during the evening. “…already there are wanderers, confident girls who weave here and there among the stouter and more stable, become for a sharp, joyous moment the centre of a group, and then, excited with triumph, glide on through the sea-change of faces and voices and color under the constantly changing light.” (Fitzgerald)

Flapper Fashion Had their hair cut short, in styles such as a Bob cut, in contrast to it being long and worn up in a bun. Wore stockings and high heels. Would bind their chests to make it look flatter and also let their breast cracks be out in the open. Their dresses and skirts would reach only to their knees, showing a woman’s lower legs and ankles. Sometimes wore hats in similar styling's to types such as a newsboy hat. Wore much make up such as red lipstick and heavy amounts of mascara and blush.

End of the Era of Flappers In the 1930’s, the Stock Market crashed and the Great Depression swept over the country. No longer able to afford their party lifestyle, the Flappers into obscurity and never truly re- emerged. Changes such as cutting hair short, choosing dates, and drinking alcohol did not fade away however. Flappers are considered to having helped develop the ‘modern woman’.

Society’s Outrage The Flapper movement was such a step away from society’s gender rules that it caused protest from many. Parents were outraged as they felt like their daughters were indulging in inappropriate behaviors in the way they dress, with their drinking/smoking, and in being openly sexual with men. Men were outraged that women were crossing the gender lines by showing their legs and indulging alcohol which they viewed as a male-centric ideal. The stereotypical image of a woman who would get drunk and dance the night away with old men emerged form the controversies.

Works Cited Fitzgerald, F. Scott. “The Great Gatsby.” Public Bookshelf. Web. Rosenburg, Jennifer. “Flappers in the Roaring Twenties”. About Education. Web Sagert, Kelly Boyet. “Flappers: A Guide to an American Subculture”. Ebsco Host. Web.